England look set to be without Ben Foden for the autumn internationals and attack coach Mike Catt has described his absence as a "huge disappointment".

Northampton confirmed yesterday that Foden had sustained "significant damage to his ankle ligaments" following their clash with Bath last Friday. He will visit a specialist on Wednesday to determine how long he will be out of action for but it seems likely that he will miss England's November Test schedule.

England kick off their four-Test series against Fiji on November 10 before facing Australia, South Africa and New Zealand and Catt is already preparing for life without Foden.

"Losing a player like Fodes, with the X factor he brings, is a huge disappointment, Catt told the Daily Mirror. "He's exceptionally talented with the ball and a fantastic guy to work with. This is a big blow but it gives someone else an opportunity to come in and show what they've got."

The prime candidate to fill the fullback berth seems to be Harlequins' Mike Brown. He started the first Test against South Africa in June but then missed the next two due to injury. "It's really unfortunate for Fodes, who was just getting into a bit of form as well," Brown said. "I enjoyed playing alongside him in that first Test against the Springboks. I thought we linked up well at the back and I was really looking forward to maybe continuing that partnership.

"It's good to play with someone who knows what a 15 wants. He's so good in the air, so good on the counter attack and he reads the game so well. I wish him a speedy recovery."